Italy’s national team coach, Luciano Spalletti, has unveiled his provisional 30-man squad for Euro 2024, signaling a new era for the Azzurri. In a move that demonstrates a clear departure from the past, Spalletti has made some courageous decisions, omitting key figures who were instrumental in Italy’s triumphant Euro 2020 campaign at Wembley Stadium. While experience remains a cornerstone of the squad with a combined 560 international appearances, the inclusion of three uncapped players – Ivan Provedel, Michael Folorunsho, and Riccardo Calafiori – highlights Spalletti’s willingness to inject fresh talent into the team. As the tournament approaches on June 14th, the Italian camp faces the tough task of trimming the squad by four players to finalize their Euro 2024 roster.
Italy’s Provisional Squad Breakdown for Euro 2024
Spalletti’s 30-man selection offers a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers across all departments. Here’s a detailed look at the provisional Italy Euro 2024 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG), Alex Meret (Napoli), Ivan Provedel (Lazio), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham).
Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Inter), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta).
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus), Michael Folorunsho (Hellas Verona), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Jorginho (Arsenal), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino).
Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Genoa), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio).
Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti at Coverciano training ground in Florence on September 02, 2023Goalkeeping Choices: Donnarumma Leads, Provedel Enters the Mix
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the PSG shot-stopper with 61 caps, has been confirmed as captain, a testament to his seniority and pivotal role in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory. His heroics in the final penalty shootout against England cemented his place as a national icon. While Donnarumma’s position as the number one is undisputed, the inclusion of Ivan Provedel raises eyebrows. Despite recently returning from injury, Provedel joins Alex Meret and Guglielmo Vicario in the goalkeeping pool. Notably absent is Michele Di Gregorio of Monza, who, despite being named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Season, has not made the cut, indicating Spalletti is prioritizing different attributes or perhaps looking at established international experience. Vicario and Meret’s strong club form might position them as strong contenders for the backup roles behind Donnarumma.
Defensive Line: Inter Milan’s Core and Emerging Talents
The defensive unit sees a strong representation from Inter Milan, the Serie A champions. Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi, key figures in Inter’s Scudetto-winning defense, are expected to be central to Spalletti’s plans. However, they will face competition from Alessandro Buongiorno and the uncapped Riccardo Calafiori. Calafiori’s inclusion, in particular, signals Spalletti’s eye for emerging talent and his willingness to integrate Bologna’s standout performers.
With the omissions of Leonardo Spinazzola and Emerson Palmieri, and Destiny Udogie’s injury, Federico Dimarco is the clear favorite for the left-back position. On the right flank, Andrea Cambiaso is likely to compete with Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo. The versatility of Matteo Darmian and Giorgio Scalvini will be valuable assets, offering Spalletti tactical flexibility. It is anticipated that two defenders from the provisional list, possibly Gianluca Mancini and Raoul Bellanova, will be cut to finalize the defensive options. Despite their impressive Europa League campaign with Atalanta, Davide Zappacosta and Matteo Ruggeri were surprisingly overlooked, suggesting Spalletti is prioritizing other profiles for his defensive setup.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy celebrates after saving the penalty from Bukayo Saka of England during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021Midfield Dynamics: Experience and Freshness Combined
Italy’s midfield, a dominant force in their Euro 2020 triumph, retains only three key players from that campaign: Nicolò Barella, Bryan Cristante, and Jorginho. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Davide Frattesi, both in excellent form this season, bring dynamism and different attacking qualities to the midfield. Their ability to contribute in the final third provides Spalletti with tactical flexibility.
The inclusion of Nicolò Fagioli, recently returning from a ban for betting rule violations, is a controversial decision. His selection over Monza’s Marco Pessina and Torino’s Samuele Ricci, who edged out Manuel Locatelli, highlights Spalletti’s specific midfield requirements. Both Pessina and Locatelli, with 44 combined caps and Euro 2020 experience, are notable omissions. The battle for the final midfield spot seems to be between Fagioli and uncapped Michael Folorunsho, with pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia & Herzegovina serving as crucial evaluation opportunities. The exclusion of Giacomo Bonaventura, despite consistent national team call-ups and good form for Fiorentina, and Andrea Colpani of Monza, with 12 goal involvements, further emphasizes Spalletti’s focus on specific player attributes and tactical roles within his Italy Euro 2024 squad.
Forward Line: Seeking Goals Beyond Established Names
Spalletti has made decisive choices in the forward department, omitting veteran strikers Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti, who have struggled for form this season. Andrea Pinamonti and the injured Domenico Berardi were also not considered. Nicolo Zaniolo and Matteo Politano, despite moments of good form, have also been left out. This overhaul in attack underscores Italy’s need for fresh goal-scoring options.
Gianluca Scamacca, following a strong season with Atalanta, is poised to lead the line against Albania in the opening match. Mateo Retegui, with a consistent goal-scoring record for Genoa and the national team, offers a valuable alternative from the bench. Retegui’s potential as a ‘wild card’ could be crucial for Italy’s attacking fortunes. In the wider attacking positions, Federico Chiesa and Stephan El Shaarawy bring experience and flair. Riccardo Orsolini, with 10 goals for Bologna, provides a lively option on the right wing, while Giacomo Raspadori’s versatility, demonstrated during Napoli’s Scudetto win, allows him to operate effectively on the left. Mattia Zaccagni is the only attacker in the squad yet to score for Italy, and faces competition to secure his place in the final 26.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy celebrates after saving the penalty from Bukayo Saka of England during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021Building Towards Euro 2024: Cohesion and Tactical Flexibility
Italy’s Euro 2020 victory was built on collective cohesion and individual brilliance. As Spalletti shapes his Italy Euro 2024 squad, the challenge is to recreate that winning formula. With fewer than 12 players having over 20 caps, building team chemistry quickly is paramount. Spalletti faces a crucial two weeks to fine-tune his tactical systems, experimenting with both 4-3-3 and 3-4-1-2 formations. The core of Inter Milan players could provide a solid foundation, while integrating the dynamism of Atalanta and Bologna players offers exciting possibilities. The blend of experience and new blood in the Italy Euro 2024 squad presents both challenges and opportunities as they aim to defend their European title. Forza Azzurri!
